In 2022, Victoria, a 71-year-old American, took the leap of faith to move to Bali, Indonesia. She wanted an experience that was 180 degrees different from living in Phoenix, Arizona. In real life she proudly claims the title of “avowed introvert.” While in Bali, she goes out less than when living in the United States, though she has developed a deep social network in the local community.
Before implementing this big leap, Victoria had built a safe and secure life in Phoenix. She enjoyed the luxuries of home ownership, owning a nice house in a good neighborhood, and driving a convertible sports car. Victoria frequently attended cultural events, including theater productions and art gallery openings, and shared regular meals with friends and family.
“On the surface, as viewed from the outside, I should have had no complaints,” – Victoria.
Beneath this layer of privilege, Victoria started to grow weary of the American dream. On top of that, she began to see a prevailing negative attitude in her culture. Whatever way we look at it, our society has become very self-absorbed,” she explained. So me-driven, and so money-centric, that I questioned whether or not that’s where I wanted to spend the rest of my life.
The global pandemic would turn out to be a major inflection point for Victoria. Her art provided her comfort, and while most were suffering from a sense of disconnect, she created her own community. “I was one of those people that loved Covid,” she reflected, realizing that the slower pace of life allowed her to contemplate her future more deeply.
In 2012, she took a spiritual journey to India that eventually proved pivotal in her decision to move. Victoria had to sell her house and car. She gave away all her belongings to live a life that’s a better reflection of what she really values. She almost moved to Mexico—but it just wasn’t a fit. After having achieved this goal, she decided to aim for Bali, a destination that has the most bearing on her free spirit.
Victoria now splits her time between a tiny, off-grid house in Bali, and Ruston, Louisiana. It includes an open concept one bedroom, living room, kitchen and bath. Botanika Botanika’s color- and texture-infused home is accentuated with traditional sliding glass front doors in Balinese style, soaring ceilings, and outdoor areas that encourage connection and relaxation. As she discovers while riding around Bali on her scooter, that colorful flower and exotic fruit-filled landscape is a feast for the senses.
While not speaking Balinese or Indonesian fluently, Victoria has nonetheless forged deep friendships with local Indonesians. To her, it’s not just about the language—it’s about helping her make deeper connections and paying respect to her new home in the way that she knows how.
“I think it’s really important in any foreign country to learn the language, not only to benefit you and understand but also as respect,” – Victoria.
Victoria’s social circle is primarily made up of local Balinese people, which she finds incredibly enriching. To stay long-term, she intends to change her retirement visa to a KITAP visa. This current stay permit is good for five years, and she plans to switch within the next two years. This decision signals her sincerity and seriousness to lay down roots in Bali.
Outside of work projects, Victoria enjoys learning the unique cultural traditions of Bali. She experiences the many rituals and ceremonies that celebrate important milestones in the lives of the Balinese people.
“There are ceremonies for everything. From the baby being born to the baby being named, to the cremation, to the anniversary of the cremation,” – Victoria.
She’s realistic about the pace of daily life, which is a bit slower than she’s used to in the states.
“Sometimes I find myself standing in the grocery line and it takes like 15 minutes and three people to do something that in the United States would take five minutes,” – Victoria.
Even these few moments add to her general feelings of belonging and acceptance in the community. Looking forward, Victoria has absolutely no intentions of going back to her former life in the states.
“I jokingly say, ‘The only way I’m setting foot back in the United States is if I’m demented,’” – Victoria.
